AMNH

Deep below the reefs and rainforest edges of the Solomon Islands, submersibles have allowed the Explore21 expedition team to explore depths that are out of reach to SCUBA divers. Watch the latest footage from the submarine.

The submarine's large acrylic cockpit provides a 360-degree view of underwater animals and scenery. Scientists linger at depths for hours, collecting data and observing creatures rarely seen alive in their natural habitat.

Using low-light cameras, researchers have filmed the dazzling glow of bioluminescence, visible light generated by living things through a chemical reaction. By flashing white light in the deep lightless ocean, the expedition team found that animals are literally talking with light—at almost light speed. Ultimately, the organisms' complex signaling process has potential for medical applications in the field of neurobiology.